Best Dewormer for Dogs

As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and free from harmful parasites. One of the most common issues faced by dogs is intestinal worms, which can cause a range of health problems if left untreated. Thankfully, there are various dewormers available that can effectively treat and prevent worm infestations in dogs.

This article will look at some types of worms and how they impact your dog’s health. We will further look at some of the key features to consider when buying the best dewormer for dogs. Moreover, we will see a FAQ section to answer your common questions on the topic.

What are common ways on how your dog can get worms?

There are several common ways that dogs can get worms. Here are some of the most common ways:

• Eating contaminated feces: Dogs can pick up intestinal worms by ingesting contaminated feces from other animals, particularly in outdoor environments like parks or communal spaces.
• Eating infected prey: Dogs that hunt or scavenge may be at risk of picking up worms from infected prey such as rodents or birds.
• Fleas or ticks: Fleas and ticks can carry tapeworm eggs, and dogs that ingest infected fleas or ticks can become infected with tapeworms.
• Mother-to-puppy transmission: Some types of intestinal worms, such as roundworms, can be transmitted from a mother dog to her puppies through the placenta or milk.
• Soil contamination: Certain types of intestinal worms, such as hookworms, can survive in soil for long periods of time. Dogs that spend time in contaminated soil can pick up the worms through their skin or by ingesting soil.
• Uncooked meat: Dogs that are fed raw or undercooked meat may be at risk of picking up tapeworms, which can be present in the meat.

It’s important to note that not all dogs are at equal risk of getting worms. Factors such as age, lifestyle, and environment can all play a role in determining a dog’s risk of getting worms. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best ways to prevent worm infestations based on your dog’s individual risk factors. Additionally, regular deworming and fecal exams can help detect and treat worm infestations early, before they cause significant health problems.

What are types of Dewormers for Dogs?

There are several types of dewormers available for dogs. Here are some of the most common types:

• Pyrantel Pamoate: Broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against roundworms and hookworms. It is usually administered orally and comes in a liquid form that can be added to your dog’s food.
• Fenbendazole: Effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms. It is usually administered orally and comes in a tablet form that is typically given once a day for several days.
• Praziquantel: Specifically designed to target tapeworms. It is usually administered orally and comes in a tablet form that is typically given as a single dose.
• Milbemycin Oxime: This medication is a broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It is usually administered orally and comes in a tablet form that is typically given once a month as a preventative measure.
• Selamectin: Topical dewormer that is effective against roundworms, hookworms, and some types of mange. It is usually applied topically once a month.
• Moxidectin: Broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It is usually administered orally and comes in a tablet form that is typically given once a month as a preventative measure.

It’s important to note that not all dewormers are effective against all types of worms. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best dewormer for your dog based on their individual needs and health history. Additionally, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when administering any dewormer medication to ensure its effectiveness and minimize any potential side effects.

Why deworming is important for dogs

Deworming is important for dogs because intestinal worms can cause a range of health problems if left untreated. Here are some reasons why deworming is important for dogs:

• Protects the dog’s health: Intestinal worms can cause a range of health problems in dogs, including diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, and even death in severe cases. By deworming your dog regularly, you can help protect their health and prevent these health problems from occurring.
• Prevents the spread of worms: Intestinal worms can be easily spread from dog to dog, especially in environments where there are large numbers of dogs in close proximity to each other, such as dog parks or kennels. By deworming your dog regularly, you can help prevent the spread of worms to other dogs.
• Protects human health: Some types of intestinal worms that affect dogs can also be transmitted to humans, particularly children. By deworming your dog regularly, you can help protect your family’s health and prevent the transmission of worms to humans.
• Helps detect other health issues: When you take your dog to the veterinarian for deworming, they will usually perform a physical examination and check for any other health issues. This can help detect other health problems early and ensure that your dog receives prompt treatment.

Overall, deworming is an important aspect of maintaining your dog’s health and well-being. It’s recommended that dogs be dewormed at least once a year, or more frequently if they are at a higher risk of exposure to worms. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best deworming schedule for your dog based on their individual needs and health history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dewormers for dogs

How much time does the best dewormer for dogs take to kill worms?

When you start giving medicine to your dog, it will take around two weeks for complete elimination. Vets recommend taking your dog on a walk and give proper exercise during this stage. Once you give the final dose of med to your dog, take a stool test to confirm there are no more worms.

Does an infected dog pass worms to another dog?

All the worms and parasites in the dog’s intestine can transmit. If any dog contacts the feces of infected dogs, they will also get these worms. There are other ways too. So, you must ensure that your dog is healthy soon and take proper care of their cleaning. So, one dog won’t infect others.

Can humans take worms from dogs?

There is a specific type of worms that also gets to humans. As a result, you must act fast when your pet gets worms, or you may also get those.

Overall

In conclusion, deworming is an important aspect of maintaining your dog’s health and well-being. There are several types of dewormers available for dogs, each designed to target specific types of worms. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when administering dewormer medication to ensure its effectiveness and minimize any potential side effects. By deworming your dog regularly, you can help protect their health, prevent the spread of worms to other dogs and humans, and detect other health issues early. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best deworming schedule for your dog based on their individual needs and health history.